Figure 1. Dex improved the proliferation of AF chondrocytes in the presence or absence of H₂O₂.

The isolated AF chondrocytes were identified by ICC assay (A). Chondrocytes were treated with doses of Dex for different time periods to determine the optimum concentration and culture time. Then cell viability was tested (B). Oxidative stress was induced by treating the cells with 1 mM H₂O₂ for 1 h. Afterward, cells were cultured in fresh medium or the medium with the supplementation of Dex with further incubation for 24 h. Then cell viability (C) and apoptosis rate (D) were tested. *P<0.05 and **P<0.01 vs. control group; ^#P<0.05 vs. the group that was treated with H₂O₂ alone.